MasterChef Nigeria debuts with N73m prize

MasterChef has officially landed on Nigerian shores. Brought to the country by African media giant Primedia, MasterChef Nigeria, the inaugural local adaptation of the renowned reality television cooking show, is set to transform the Nigerian culinary landscape and the lives of passionate home cooks who dream of taking their creative flair in the kitchen to the next level.

A statement from the firm stated that the winner of MasterChef Nigeria will scoop N73m and make history as the world’s first-ever Nigerian MasterChef. Entries are now open for the opportunity, with the closing date set for 27 February 2026.

MasterChef Nigeria, which will be screened on DStv’s Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family, forms part of the global MasterChef television franchise, represented internationally by Banijay Entertainment, the content powerhouse behind iconic series such as Big Brother and Survivor.

The deal for the Nigerian version was negotiated by Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of Banijay Entertainment.

The MasterChef format, created by Franc Roddam and first launched in 1990, has catapulted the careers of countless culinary stars across 70 countries while showcasing the unique food culture of each territory. As recognised by the authoritative Guinness World Records, it is the most successful cookery show in the world, with over 700 seasons and 16,000 episodes aired to date.

“MasterChef Nigeria is a major Nigerian television milestone that will celebrate the country’s exquisite cuisine, innovative food culture, and vibrant culinary traditions as never before, whilst unearthing, mentoring and nurturing talent with the potential to become Nigeria’s next generation of distinguished chefs,” said Tamara van Eeckhoven, Managing Director at Primedia Africa. “We encourage all home cooks who want to make a name for themselves in the dynamic Nigerian food industry to enter this profound competition.”